Mustang, Nepal Road Trip

Muktinath literally means “Lord of Salvation”. It is a site revered by both the Hindus and the Buddhists equally. Each year it witnesses thousands of devotees flocking for worship in a hope to receive moksha (salvation) from the cycle of birth and rebirth. The temple of Muktinath is situated at the base of Khatang Kang(Thorang Peak) in Baraha Gaun (lit. Twelve village) in the district of Mustang in the north central part of Nepal,and it is about 110 Km from Pokhara and 20 kms northeast of Jomsom at an altitude of about 3800 meters from the sea level. It is a gate way to Mustang from Manang in famous Annapurana circuit Trek route. The holy shrine at Muktinath is in a grove of trees and includes a Buddhist Gompa and the pagoda style temple of Vishnu Temple, Containing an Image of Vishnu. The Hindus call it Muktichhetra (Place of salvation) is one of the four religious sites. Many Shaligrams (Ammonite) found here are considered by Hindu as incarnation of lord Vishnu and worship them. According to Hindu Myth lord Vishnu turned into Shaligram because of Brinda’s Curse.

====================================Attractions at MuktinathKunda:In front of MuktinathTemple there are 2 Kundas (Water ponds). This is generally used for holy dipping and is believed to hold the power to wash away negative karma and the results of one's past negative actions.====================================Jwala Mai Temple:A little below the Muktinath Temple you can see the Tibetan style Jwala Mai Temple. This Temple is famous for the water that it issues from a rock inside it. Inside this Temple behind a tattered curtain, are small natural gas jest that produce Continuously burning flame, the Jwala Mai temple has a spring and there are three eternal flames “Holy flame from soil”, “Holy flame from rock” and “Holy flame from water” fed by natural gas. Apparantly two flames are continuously burning. The Hindus believe that this fire was lit as an offering made by Brahma himself , (the creator) as he set water on fire. ===================================Gomba Samba:This is a monastery of Tibetan origin. Legend has it that the Syandol Lama, a monk from Tibet founded this monastery. This was actually used as a hostel for monks before collapsed and people of Khinga and Jharkot later restored it. The main deities monastries are Sakyamuni, Chingresig and Guru Rimpoche. The monastery is situated at left from entrance gate of Muktinath temple complex, would be worth it.==================================Swaminarayan:A Hindu Guru by the name of Lord Shri Swaminarayan is generally associated with the Temple of Muktinath. Also known as a Satguru of Sabij Yoga, towards the end of the 18th century he practiced severe penance in Muktinath for two and a half months and attained the highest degree of proficiency in Nishkamvrat. In 2003 his followers funded the new wall around Muktinath and raised a small monument for him at Muktinath.=================================Shaligram:Another attraction for the pilgrimage is the River kali Gandaki from where one can collect fossils of the Jurassic age. You can also buy these fossils from the locals. Shaligram, a black stone fossil if found, is considered sacred and is kept in pooja (prayer) room in the house. It is supposed to be symbol of Lord Vishnu.Gloriously described in Puranas as Krishnagandaki (Black Gandaki) as well as Chakranadi, and worshipped as one of the holiest rivers, Krishnagandaki consists of seven Gandaki rivers supposed to have sprung from cheek (Gandasthal) of Lord Vishnu.==================================Itinerary:Day1 Delhi To GarakhpurLong Ride Day-------Day2 Garakhpur to ButwalToday We enter in Nepal, 1st we get permit than ride to Pokhara-------Day3 Butwal to Pokhara---------Day4 Pokhara to KalopaniWe will be leaving Pokhara on our motorbikes towards Beni - 80 km on a perfectly good road, But after that the road from Beni to Kalopani is quite a different story. That is to say, as long as there is no rainfall we have no problems - but when it rains it will be a mud-fest. At least it is all pretty much level, so no going up hill. But it is always an adventurous ride, that's for sure.-----------Day5 Kalopani to Muktinath Ride to Muktinath (3800m) Off-road. Awesome sceneries and landscapes

====================================DISCLAIMERWE HIMALAYAN BIKERS ADVENTURE TOUR GROUP WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY KIND OF ACCIDENTS OR MISHAPPENING OCCURRED TO THE RIDER OR THE BIKE. ALL THE RIDERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR GOODS AND LUGGAGE. ANY SPARES OR PETROL WILL NOT BE PROVIDED BY HIMALAYAN BIKERS ADVENTURE TOUR GROUP